Masters of the Waltz
Celebrating 200 years of Johann Strauss II – joined by fellow greats of the genre.
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Friday 2 January 2026 15.00
About the video
- Published online 2 January 2026.
- Filmed 11 October 2025.
- The video is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
When it comes to festivity and elegance in the world of music, few names shine brighter than Johann Strauss II. This year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth – celebrated with a concert brimming with sparkling waltzes and whirling polkas.
But Johann Strauss II was not alone in putting the waltz on the map. The programme also features works by other masters of the genre – including Franz Lehár and Franz von Suppè. Making her Konserthuset debut is internationally acclaimed American soprano Emily Pogorelc, performing operetta gems. A golden age in Vienna comes to life – almost like a Viennese New Year’s concert in the autumn darkness.
The concert also features certain staged elements directed by Caroline Gentele, with actor Joakim Sikberg taking part. And take note! – during the hunting scene in Auf der Jagd, a theatrical wooden firearm, on loan from the Royal Dramatic Theatre, makes an appearance.
Frivolous and superficial? Not quite – this music demands great care and finesse to truly soar. The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is led by a connoisseur of the genre: Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck, who grew up with these Viennese delicacies. His early years as a violist with the Vienna Philharmonic have deeply influenced his work as a conductor and his ability to uncover the music’s deeper layers.
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The music
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Franz von Suppè Overture to Light Cavalry
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Robert Stolz Du sollst der Kaiser meiner Seele sein from Der Favorit
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Johann Strauss Jr. Emperor Waltz
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Franz Lehár Vilja-Lied from The Merry Widow
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Franz Lehár Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss from Giuditta
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Johann Strauss Jr. Overture to The Gypsy Baron
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Johann Strauss Jr. Eljen a Magyar!, polka schnell
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Intermission
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Johann Strauss Jr. Overture to Waldmeister
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Johann Strauss Jr. Banditen-galop, polka schnell
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Johann Strauss Jr. Mein Herr Marquis from Die Fledermaus
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Johann Strauss Jr. Wiener Blut
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Johann Strauss Jr. Spiel’ ich die Unschuld vom Lande from Die Fledermaus
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Johann Strauss Jr. Auf der jagd, polka schnell
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Johann Strauss Jr. Im Krapfenwald’l, polka française
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Johann Strauss Jr. Thunder and Lightning, polka schnell
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Encore:
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Victor Herbert Art is Calling for Me ”I Want to Be a Prima Donna” from The Enchantress
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Josef Strauss Feuerfest, polka française
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Participants
- Manfred Honeck conductor
- Emily Pogorelc soprano
- Joakim Sikberg actor
- Caroline Gentele director
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